Sailing fanatics in Merton will be celebrating today as Merton’s leisure department has been awarded almost £50,000 by the New Opportunities Fund for Physical Education and Sport.

Money will go towards upgrading and enhancing facilities at Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre. The £49,875 boost will be spent on brand new jetties for the lake, storage containers and a canoe slalom course. Facilities for Merton’s disabled sailors will also be improved as a result of the award, when new winches and hoists are installed to improve access at the park’s ‘Sailability’ centre.

Cllr Geraldine Standford, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said:

“I’m delighted that the New Opportunities Fund has made this work possible. The award is important because the improvements for disabled users will make the centre even more inclusive to all.

“I hope that many more people will be encouraged to use the Watersports Centre.”

Ends